Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INFORMATION PRESENTING DEVICE
Technical field
The present invention relates to an information presenting device,
which device is arranged to be capable of assuming a first configuration, in
which the device is flattened for transport or storage, and of assuming a
second configuration, in which the device is extended and hence self-
supporting. The invention further relates to a method for extending a device
according to the above from the first, flattened configuration into the
second,
extended configuration.
Background art
The presentation of information such as notices or advertising at sales
outlets, so-called shop advertising, is nowadays common practice. A common
way of presenting the information is by means of posters of different kinds.
The use of posters or the like has drawbacks, such as that the posters have
to be hung up on something and are not particularly attractive to look at. Ad-
vertising by means of self-supporting advertising pillars has therefore become
increasingly common. A drawback with the transport and storage of advertis-
ing pillars is that they occupy a large amount of space. This has been solved
by providing advertising pillars which can be flattened during transport and
storage and which can be extended when in use at, for example, the sales
outlet. Some examples of advertising pillars of this type are described below.
In FR2730148 an advertising pillar is described, comprising two mu-
tually opposing panels which can be extended from a flat configuration into a
convexly extended configuration. The advertising pillar also comprises sup-
porting members in the form of strips, which see to it that the extended shape
is maintained when the advertising pillar is used. The supporting members
are hooked together in the middle when the advertising pillar is put up.
In DE4314654 an advertising pillar is described, comprising two mu-
tually opposing panels. The advertising pillar is extended into a convex shape
with the aid of at least one tensioning element. Said tensioning elements hold
the side edges of the advertising pillar closer together than if they were not
subjected to the tensioning force of said tensioning element. The extended,
convex shape is thereby maintained.
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A drawback with both these solutions is that a tensioning element
needs to be fitted to the advertising pillar, or alternatively a supporting
mem-
ber needs to be hooked together in order to maintain the extended configura-
tion. Both of these solutions are cumbersome for the user, since the user
must actively fit the tensioning element, or alternatively must actively hook
together a supporting member.
In the literature, advertising pillars of the abovementioned kind which
are extended automatically are also described. Some examples are disclosed
in the following publications.
In GB2370977 an advertising pillar is described, comprising two mu-
tually opposing panels. The advertising pillar can be in a first, collapsed
confi-
guration (transport/storage configuration) and a second, extended configura-
tion (display configuration). In order to extend the advertising pillar from
the
first configuration into the second configuration, the advertising pillar
compris-
es pretensioned members, which are pretensioned and extended when the
advertising pillar is in the first configuration and which are then contracted
when the advertising pillar is to be in the second configuration. The advertis-
ing pillar can hence be automatically extended from the first configuration
into
said second configuration.
In W02006037896 an advertising pillar comprising at least one panel
is described, but two mutually opposing panels are also mentioned. The ad-
vertising pillar can be in a first, collapsed configuration (transport/storage
con-
figuration) and a second, extended configuration (display configuration). In
order to extend the advertising pillar from the first configuration into the
second configuration, the advertising pillar comprises elastic bands, which
are
pretensioned and extended when the advertising pillar is in the first
configura-
tion and which are then contracted when the advertising pillar must be in the
second configuration. The advertising pillar further comprises inserts for
main-
taining the convex surface when the advertising pillar is in the second confi-
guration. These inserts have a length conforming to the distance between the
edges of the advertising pillar when it is in the second configuration.
In US2007/0245610 an advertising pillar is described, comprising two
mutually opposing panels similar to those described in GB2370977 and
W02006037896, i.e. the advertising pillar is automatically self-extending with
the aid of elastic bands. US2007/0245610 also has pressure elements (these,
too, elastically tensioned), which press on the inner side of the advertising
pillar in order to maintain a "neat" convex presentation surface.
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One drawback with the above-described, automatically extended ad-
vertising pillars is precisely the automatic extension. The automatic
extension
is obtained by means of pretensioned tensioning elements. This means that
an advertising pillar which is in the first, transport/storage configuration
will
automatically assume the second, extended configuration, i.e. the pretension-
ing in the pretensioned tensioning elements must be overcome in order to
obtain the first configuration.
Another drawback is that the tensioning elements (for example the
elastic bands) are made of rubber or some other elastic material, thereby
making the advertising pillar more difficult to recycle.
Yet another drawback is that the tensioning elements age, which caus-
es the possible storage time for the advertising pillars to be shortened.
Summary of the invention
One object of the present invention is to provide an information pre-
senting device which is easy to extend from a first, flattened configuration
into
a second, extended configuration.
One more object of the present invention is to provide an information
presenting device which is easy to recycle.
In order to achieve at least one of these objects, as well as other
objects which will emerge from the following description, an information
presenting device is identified according to the present invention. The device
is arranged to be capable of assuming a first configuration, in which the
device is flattened for transport or storage, and of assuming a second
configuration, in which the device is extended and hence self-supporting. The
device comprises at least two panels, made of a rigid material, which are
joined together along the respective edges of at least two of the panels such
that the device, having assumed the second configuration, forms a hollow
cylinder, and at least one locking member, arranged between said panels, for
continuously adjustable locking of the device in said first or second
configura-
tion, the locking member comprising a first part and a second part, the first
part being slidably connected to the second part and the locking member be-
ing self-locking by a friction band coupling formed between contact surfaces
of the first part and the second part of the locking member.
A device has thus been provided which is easy to extend. Furthermore,
the device is also easy to flatten following extension. This since the locking
member acts to lock the device in both said first and said second configura-
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tion. This locking is realized automatically as long as the friction of the
friction
band coupling between the contact surfaces of the first part and the second
part of the locking member is not overcome. The fact that the first part of
the
locking member is slidably connected to the second part of the locking mem-
ber together with the fact that the locking of the device is continuously
adjust-
able means that the device can assume all conceivable configurations be-
tween the two extremes to which the first, flattened configuration and the
second, extended configuration correspond. The sliding connection between
the first and second part of the locking member is continuously adjustable,
i.e.
stepless. In one or other of the two configurations (or some configuration the-
rebetween), the device is in its state of rest, i.e. in order to alter the
configura-
tion of the device, a force which overcomes the friction of the friction band
coupling between said first and second part of the locking member must be
overcome. The rigidity of the panels, together with the cylindrical
configuration
of the device, results in the device, in its extended, second configuration,
be-
ing self-supporting. A device of said type is simple to produce and assemble,
which makes the production relatively cheap.
The locking member can be made of similar material to said at least
two panels. By similar material is meant, for example, paper fibers. By
producing all the parts of the device in similar material, recycling of the
device
is made considerably easier. Upon disposal, the various parts of the device
do not need to be separated from one another, but rather it is possible to
throw away the whole device as, for example, cardboard, if the device is now
made of paper fibers. It will be appreciated, however, that other materials
can
also be used, for example the whole of the device can be produced in plastics
material.
A portion of the first part of the locking member can be inserted in a
first recess in the second part of the locking member. In this way, a large
contact surface between the first and second part of the locking member can
be achieved and thus a reliable friction band coupling is achieved. A large
contact surface gives rise to the necessary friction between the parts of the
locking member.
The first part of the locking member can be formed by a tongue. The
second part of the locking member can be formed by a doubled-over strip. A
tongue which is inserted into a doubled-over strip can generate the necessary
friction in order to form the firction band coupling in a simple manner.
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=
0.
The locking member can further comprise a stop member. The stop
member can be configured as a protrusion on the first part of the locking
member. The protrusion can extend perpendicular to the extent of the tongue..
Hence it is not possible to feed the first part of the locking member into the
5 second part of the locking member beyond the point at which the stop mem-
ber comes to bear against the second part of the locking member. Once the
device has attained said second configuration, the stop member bears
against the second part of the locking member, i.e. the locking member
reaches a stop position. The stop position is reached when the device reach-
es its second, extended configuration. Thus, a number of different devices
can be extended to assume a similar configuration.
The material which makes up the panels can be foldable. Each panel
can hence be divided into sections, which allow the device to be folded up
when it is in said first, flattened configuration.
' The material which makes up the panels can be flexible. Hence, the
panels can be bent and can assume convex shapes which are required for
certain embodiments of the invention.
The locking member can be fastened to longitudinal connecting lines
between the panels.
=
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for
extending a device from the first, flattened configuration into the second,
extended configuration is identified. The method comprises the application of
*
a pressure force to the connecting lines of at least two of the panels of the
device such that the friction of the friction band coupling between the
contact
surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member is over-
come in order to attain said second, extended configuration, and the termina-
=
tion* of said pressure force in order to maintain said second configuration
through self-locking via the friction band coupling formed between the contact
surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member.
=
=
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5a
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
non self-extending information presenting device, which device is arranged to
be
capable of assuming a first configuration, in which the device is flattened
for transport
or storage, and of assuming a second configuration, in which the device is
extended
and hence self-supporting, said device comprising: at least two panels, made
of a
rigid material, which are joined together along the respective edges of at
least two of
the panels such that the device, having assumed the second configuration,
forms a
hollow cylinder, and at least one locking member, arranged between said
panels, for
continuously adjustable locking of the device in at least said first and
second
configuration, respectively, the locking member comprising a first part and a
second
part, the first part being slidably connected to the second part and the
locking
member being self-locking by a friction band coupling formed between contact
surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member, wherein
the at
least one locking member is fastened to an inside of the device at two
separate
fastening portions.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a method for extending a device as described above or below, from the first,
flattened
configuration into the second, extended configuration, comprising: the
application of
a pressure force F from outside the device to the connecting lines of at least
two of
the panels of the device such that the friction of the friction band coupling
present
between the contact surfaces of the first part and the second part of the
locking
member is overcome in order to attain said second, extended configuration, and
the
termination of said pressure force F in order to maintain said second
configuration
through self-locking via the friction band coupling formed between the contact
surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member.
Further fields of application, embodiments and advantages of the
present invention are made clear in the detailed description below. It will be
appreciated, however, that the detailed description and the quoted examples
showing
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5b
preferred embodiments of the invention are given as illustrative examples,
since
various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will be
evident to
the person skilled in the art.
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Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be described in greater detail below for exemplifying
purposes with reference to the appended drawings, which show presently
preferred embodiments.
Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. The shown
embodiment has assumed the second, extended configuration.
Figure 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
The shown embodiment has assumed the second, extended configuration.
Figure 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The
shown embodiment assumes a first, flattened configuration.
Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5.
The shown embodiment has assumed the folded-up, flattened configuration.
Figure 6a is a top view of an embodiment of a device according to the
invention having four panels. The panels are joined together along the re-
spective longitudinal edges of the panels such that the device, when it has
the
illustrated second, extended configuration, forms a hollow cylinder of rectan-
gular cross section.
Figure 6b is a top view of an embodiment of a device according to the
invention having four panels. The panels are joined together along the re-
spective longitudinal edges of the panels such that the device, when it has
the
illustrated second, extended configuration, forms a hollow cylinder of triangu-
lar cross section.
Figure 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the locking member of the
device.
Figure 8 is a side view of the fastening of the first part of the locking
member shown in Figure 7.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
In Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of the information presenting de-
vice 2 according to the invention is illustrated. The embodiment is shown in
its
second configuration, in which the device 2 is extended and hence self-
supporting. The device 2 is also arranged to assume a first configuration, in
which the device 2 is flattened for transport or storage, see Figures 4 and 5
and the description below.
That embodiment of the device 2 which is shown in Figures 1 and 2
comprises two panels 4. It will be appreciated that the device 2 can comprise
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more than two panels. Examples of embodiments having more than two pa-
nels are discussed below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b. The panels are
made of a rigid, yet flexible material. For example, the material can be corru-
gated board or box board. The rigidity makes the device self-supporting in its
extended, second configuration. The flexibility allows the panels to be bent
and thus assume a convex shape, like the embodiment shown in Figures 1
and 2. The material which makes up the panels 4 can also be foldable, which
characteristic will be discussed in greater detail below. The panels 4 are
joined together along the respective longitudinal edges of the panels 4 such
that the device 2, when it has the illustrated second, extended configuration,
forms a hollow cylinder.
The information (for example advertising) to be shown by means of the
device 2 is applied to the outer sides of the panels 4. The information can be
applied, for example, by means of pressing, gluing, adhesion, etc.
The device further comprises a locking member 6 for locking of the
device 2 in at least said first and second configuration. The locking member 6
is arranged between said panels 4, i.e. the locking member 6 is situated in-
side the hollow cylinder formed in the second configuration. The locking
member 6 sits fastened to the longitudinal connecting lines 12a, 12b of the
panels 4. The locking member 6 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal
lengthwise direction of the panels 4. The locking member 6 comprises at least
two parts 8a, 8b. A first part 8a is slidably connected, in a continuously ad-
justable manner, to a second part 8b. The locking member 6 being self-
locking by a friction band coupling between contact surfaces of the first part
8a and second part 8b of the locking member 6. The first part 8a can be re-
garded as a male part and the second part 8b can be regarded as a female
part in a friction band coupling. The friction band coupling may be formed be-
tween the plane contact surfaces of the male part and female part. Alterna-
tively, the friction band coupling may be formed at the contact surfaces be-
tween the male and female parts in the area where the male part is entering
the female part.
It will also be appreciated that when the device 2 is between the first
and the second configuration, then the locking member 6 is in an adjustable
zone. Unless more force is supplied when the locking member 6 is in this ad-
justable zone, the device 2 maintains the shape which it momentarily has due
to the friction of the friction band coupling between the contact surfaces of
the
first part 8a and the second part 8b of the locking member 6. The device 2
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can thus also assume configurations which can be designated as partially
extended.
The locking member 6 can be made of similar material to said panels
4. By similar material is meant, for example, paper fibres. By producing the
locking member 6 in similar material to said panels 4, recycling of the device
2 is facilitated.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first part
8a of the locking member 6 is formed by a tongue, and the second part 8b of
the locking member 6 by a doubled-over strip. According to the above, the
tongue can thus be described as a male part in a coupling, while the doubled-
over strip can be designated as a female part in a coupling. A portion of the
first part 8a of the locking member 6 is inserted in a first recess 9 in the
second part 8b of the locking member 6. The first part 8a of the locking mem-
ber 6 is hence slidably connected, in a continuously adjustable manner, to the
second part 8b of the locking member 6. The first recess 9 can be a slot in
the
doubled-over strip of the second part 8b of the locking member 6. Said slot,
constituting the first recess 9, can be situated in the fold line of the
doubled-
over strip. Alternatively, said slot, constituting the first recess 9, can be
si-
tuated as a pocket on the one plane surface of the doubled-over strip.
Friction
is generated between that portion of the first part 8a of the locking member 6
which is inserted in the first recess 9 of the second part 8b of the locking
member 6 and the second part 8b of the locking member 6 and thus the fric-
tion band coupling is formed. The friction band coupling between the contact
surfaces of the first part 8a and the second part 8b of the locking member 6
thus ensures that the device 2 is kept in the configuration in which the
device
is momentarily found.
The first part 8a of the locking member 6 is fastened to a first connect-
ing line 12a between two panels 4 of the device 2. The second part 8b of the
locking member 6 is fastened to a second connecting line 12b between two
panels 4 of the device 2.
The locking member can also comprise a stop member 10. The stop
member 10 can be configured as a protrusion on the first part 8a of the lock-
ing member 6. The protrusion can have an extent perpendicular to the extent
of the first part 8a. Hence it is not possible to feed the first part 8a of
the lock-
ing member 6 into the second part 8b of the locking member 6 beyond the
point at which the stop member 10 comes to bear against the second part 8b
of the locking member 6. Once the device 2 has attained said second configu-
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ration, the stop member 10 bears against the second part 8b of the locking
member 6, i.e. the locking member 6 reaches a stop position.
In Figure 3, an embodiment of the device according to the invention is
illustrated. Here an alternative locking member 6 is shown. In connection with
the description of this embodiment, reference is also made to that described
above concerning the configuration and working of the locking member 6.
This embodiment of the locking member 6 comprises, in addition to the first
part 8a and the second part 8b, also a third part 8c. The third part 8c can be
identical with the second part 8b. The third part 8c can also be mirror
inverted
relative to the second part 8b. The third part 8c is fixed to the first
connecting
line 12a between two panels 4 of the device 2. In this embodiment, the first
part 8a can be slidably connected, in a continuously adjustable manner, to
both the second part 8b and the third part 8c of the locking member 6. Alter-
natively, the first part 8a can be fixed in the third part 8c and thus be only
slidably connected, in a continuously adjustable manner, to said second part
8b.
Also illustrated in Figure 3 are fold lines 14, along which the device can
be folded when it is in said first, flattened configuration. These fold lines
can
be formed by creases in the panels 4. Such fold lines are applicable regard-
less of the embodiment. In order to make this folding possible, the panels 4
consist of a foldable material. The fold lines 14 extend transversely between
the longitudinal connecting lines (12a and 12b in the shown embodiment) of
the panels 4. The respective panel 4 is hence divided into mutually corres-
ponding sections 18. Each individual section 18 can have an equally large
longitudinal extent. As a result of this, the device 2 can be folded, by
folding
along the fold lines 14, from the first, flattened configuration as
illustrated in
Figure 4 into a folded-up configuration as illustrated in Figure 5.
The number of sections 18 can advantageously be odd. Folding along
the middle of the device 2, which has been shown in tests to be the most fra-
gile part of the device 2, is thereby avoided.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a locking member 6 is fitted in-
side respectively the uppermost and the middlemost section 18. It will be ap-
preciated, however, that the number of locking members 6, and their place-
ment, can be varied, all to obtain as stable a device 2 as possible when the
device 2 is in its said second, extended state. The placement of the locking
members 6 should also be chosen such that the extension into the second,
extended configuration is facilitated. The placement shown in Figure 3 is a
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presently preferred placement in terms of the above characteristics'. This
since the two locking members give a stable device when the device is in its
second, extended configuration, and since the placement of the locking
members facilitates the extension into said second, extended configuration.
5 In case of use, the device 2 is delivered in the folded-up
configuration
as has been described above. The device 2 is brought from this folded-up, flat
configuration into the second, extended configuration by the following
process: First, the folded-up, flat device 2 is unfolded to assume its first,
flat-
tened configuration. After this, the flattened, first configuration is
extended to
10 assume the second, extended configuration. This is done by applying the
pressure force F to the connecting lines 12a, 12b of two of the panels 4 of
the
device 2 such that the friction of the friction band coupling between the con-
tact surfaces of the first part 8a and the second part 8b of the locking
member
6 is overcome and the parts 8a, 8b slide one against the other. The applica-
tion of the pressure force F can be realized manually. When said pressure
force F ceases to act, said second configuration is maintained through self-
locking via the friction band coupling formed between the contact surfaces of
the parts 8a, 8b, 8c of the locking member 6.
The device 2 can further be flattened from said second, extended con-
figuration into said first, flattened configuration, for possible further
folding-up,
by a similar process to the above. First, the connecting lines 12a, 12b of two
of the panels 4 of the device 2 are pushed or pulled away from each other
such that the friction of the friction band coupling between the contact
surfac-
es of the first part 8a and the second part 8b of the locking member 6 is over-
come, for example by pressing on the panels. The applied tensile or pressure
force is maintained until said first, flattened configuration is obtained. Now
the
device 2 can be folded along the length of the fold lines 14 in order to
obtain
the folded-up configuration. It will be appreciated that the device does not
necessarily need to be designed for folding. The extent to which folding shall
be possible or not depends on the size of the device 2.
The material which is used to produce the panels or the locking mem-
ber can comprise a corrugated layer (for example corrugated board). As is
well known to the person skilled in the art, a material having a corrugated
layer is rigid in one direction and bendable in a direction perpendicular to
the
rigid direction.
Panels 4 made of a material comprising a corrugated layer advanta-
geously have their rigid direction in the longitudinal direction of the panels
4.
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In this way, maximal rigidity is obtained in the device 2 and the device ac-
quires maximal self-supporting capacity. The panels 4 are also bendable in
the transverse direction, which is useful for certain embodiments.
Locking members 6 made of a material comprising a corrugated layer
advantageously have their rigid direction in the sliding direction of the
locking
member 6. In this way, maximal rigidity is obtained in the locking members 6.
In Figures 6a and 6b, two alternative embodiments of a device accord-
ing to the invention 2 are illustrated. Figures 6a and 6b are top views of the
two alternative embodiments.
Figure 6a shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention
having four panels 4. The panels 4 are joined together along the respective
longitudinal edges of the panels 4 such that the device 2, when it has the
illu-
strated second, extended configuration, forms a hollow cylinder of rectangular
cross section. In this case too, the device 2 comprises a locking member 6.
The locking member 6 is constructed and works in the same way as de-
scribed above. The locking member 6 is arranged between said panels 4, i.e.
the locking member 6 is situated inside the hollow cylinder formed in the
second configuration. The first part 8a of the locking member 6 is fixed to a
first connecting line 12a between two panels 4 of the device 2. The second
part 8b of the locking member 6 is fixed to a second connecting line 12b be-
tween two panels 4 of the device 2. The first connecting line 12a and the
second connecting line 12b lie diagonally opposite one another.
Figure 6b shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention
which likewise has four panels 4. The panels 4 are joined together along the
respective longitudinal edges of the panels 4 such that the device 2, when it
has the illustrated second, extended configuration, forms a hollow cylinder of
triangular cross section. In this case too, the device 2 comprises a locking
member 6. The locking member 6 is constructed and works in the same way
as described above. The locking member 6 is arranged between said panels
4, i.e. the locking member 6 is situated inside the hollow cylinder formed in
the second configuration. The first part 8a of the locking member 6 is fixed
to
a first connecting line 12a between two panels 4 of the device 2. The second
part 8b of the locking member 6 is fixed to a second connecting line 12b be-
tween two panels 4 of the device 2. The first connecting line 12a is situated
in
the middle of one side of the triangle, which side is divided into two panels
4.
The second connecting line 12b is situated in that corner of the triangle
which
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is opposite to the side to which the first part 8a of the locking member 6 is
fixed.
Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention
which has an alternative configuration of the locking member 6. In connection
with the description of this alternative embodiment, reference is also made to
that described above concerning the configuration and working of the locking
member 6. In this embodiment, the first part 8a of the locking member 6 (the
male part) is doubled-over. The first part 8a of the locking member 6 is thus
formed by two layers of material. This increases the rigidity of the first
part 8a
of the locking member 6. As is shown in Figure 8, this embodiment of the
locking member 6 facilitates the fastening of the first part 8a of the locking
member 6 to the first connecting line 12a between two panels 4 of the device.
This since the first part 8a of the locking member 6 can be fastened, via a
second recess 20 in a first pocket 22, to the connecting line 12a between two
panels 4 of the device. It will be appreciated that also the second part 8b of
the locking member can be fastened, via a second pocket, to the connecting
line 12b between two panels 4 of the device.
Each panel 4 can comprise folds having the same extent as the con-
necting lines 12a, 12b and can hence be divided into sub-panels. The folds
can be configured as creases. When the device 2 is extended into its second,
extended configuration, it has in this case a polygonal cylinder in which the
number of corners is determined by the number of connecting lines 12a, 12b,
together with the number of abovementioned folds having the same extent as
the connecting lines 12a, 12b.
Through the application of further panels to the device 2, in the form of
a lid and/or bottom to the cylinder, when it is in its second, extended
configu-
ration, the device 2 can have yet more surfaces, on which surfaces informa-
tion can be shown.
A number of modifications and variations are hence possible, so that
the present invention is limited solely by the accompanying claims.
